Apparatus and method for sequential viewing of performances

ABSTRACT

An apparatus for enabling sequential viewing of performances by a plurality of performers includes first and second surfaces, at least one of the surfaces being movable relative to the other surface; a plurality of performance stations defined on one of the first and second surfaces; a plurality of viewing stations defined on the other of the first and second surfaces; and a motive device that produces relative motion between the first and second surfaces.

This application is based on U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/774,965, filed Feb. 16, 2006, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to an apparatus for enabling the sequential viewing of a plurality of performances, and to methods for viewing and providing performances.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The exotic dancing industry is a multi-billion dollar industry in the United States. One very important profit center for gentlemen's clubs and other exotic dance establishments is the providing of so called “lap dances” or “table dances”. Lap dances customarily involve an exotic dancer, in a clothed, semi-clothed or nude condition, performing a dance in partial or full contact with a patron who is usually seated. Table dances are customarily performed by an exotic dancer in a nude or semi-nude state at close proximity to the patron.

In the typical gentlemen's club, a patron views a table dance or receives a lap dance from one performer at a time. If the patron desires a performance by another exotic dancer, he must contact the exotic dancer and arrange with her for the desired performance. This procedure is somewhat inefficient, however. An exotic dancer whom the patron desires to contact may be performing for a different patron; in extreme situations there may be no exotic dancers available at the time the patron desires a performance.

A need exists for a procedure by which a patron at a gentlemen's club or other exotic dance establishment, for example, or at another venue at which performers perform, can view performances by more than one performer without the need for leaving the first performer in order to arrange for performances by another performer.

SUMMARY OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, there is provided an apparatus for enabling sequential viewing of performances by a plurality of performers. The apparatus includes first and second surfaces, at least one of the surfaces being movable relative to the other surface; a plurality of performance stations defined on one of the first and second surfaces; a plurality of viewing stations defined on the other of the first and second surfaces; and a motive device that produces relative motion between the first and second surfaces.

Any number of viewing stations and performance stations can be provided according to various particular embodiments of the inventive apparatus. In specific embodiments, the number of viewing stations is greater than the number of performance stations. Such embodiments facilitate the entrance and exit of viewers from the apparatus.

The first and second surfaces of particular embodiments of the inventive apparatus can be provided in various configurations and in various spatial relationships. Thus, in one specific embodiment, the first surface is a disk having a center and the second surface is an annulus having a center. In more specific embodiments, the first surface is rotatable about an axis of rotation extending through the center of the first surface, the second surface is fixed, and the center of the second surface is collinear with the axis of rotation of the first surface. In this configuration, a rotating disk is configured within an annulus. The two surfaces can be displaced vertically (e.g., the annulus can be disposed in a plane above the plane in which the disk is disposed), or in particular embodiments, the first and second surfaces can be substantially coplanar.

Conversely, in another specific embodiment, the second surface (the annulus) is rotatable about an axis of rotation extending through the center of the second surface, the first surface (the disk) is fixed, and the center of the first surface is collinear with the axis of rotation of the second surface.

According to still another particular embodiment, the first surface is fixed and the second surface comprises a plurality of movable segments. Thus, in one specific embodiment, the second surface surrounds the first surface and is movable around the first surface, in the manner of an airport luggage carousel. In another specific embodiment, the first surface is extended along an axis and the second surface is disposed adjacent the first surface such that a portion of the second surface adjacent the first surface is movable in a direction parallel to the axis of the first surface. In these embodiments, the motion of the carousel-like structure conveys viewing stations on a portion of the second surface along a parallel sequence of performance stations on the fixed first surface.

In various embodiments of the inventive apparatus, the performance stations are defined on a moving surface and the viewing stations are defined on a fixed surface. In other embodiments, the viewing stations are defined on a moving surface and the performance stations are defined on a fixed surface.

According to additional specific embodiments, partitions are provide that separate the performance stations and/or the viewing stations. Additionally, partitions are provided in further specific embodiments that separate the performance stations from the viewing stations.

Embodiments of the inventive apparatus are beneficially employed in methods of sequentially viewing performances by a plurality of performers. Thus, in accordance with another aspect of the present invention, methods are provided that include the steps of: entering a viewing station of an apparatus as described herein; viewing a performance at a performance station when relative motion is produced between the first and second surfaces of the apparatus such that the viewing station initially entered and the performance station are positioned adjacent each other, and repeating the previous step for at least one additional performance station.

Similarly, other embodiments of the inventive apparatus are beneficially employed in methods of providing performances sequentially to a plurality of viewers. In accordance with still another aspect of the present invention, therefore, methods are provide that include the steps of: entering a performance station of an apparatus as described herein; providing a performance to a viewer at a viewing station when relative motion is produced between the first and second surfaces of the apparatus such that the performance station initially entered and the viewing station are positioned adjacent each other; and repeating the previous step for at least one additional viewing station.

Other features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description. It is to be understood, however, that the detailed description and specific examples, while indicating preferred embodiments of the present invention, are given by way of illustration and not limitation. Many changes and modifications within the scope of the present invention may be made without departing from the spirit thereof, and the invention includes all such modifications.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention may be more readily understood by referring to the accompanying drawings in which

FIG. 1 is a plan view of a first embodiment of an apparatus according to the invention, including a rotating disk-shaped first surface with a plurality of viewing stations, a fixed annular second surface with a plurality of performance stations, and partitions separating the viewing and performance areas,

FIG. 2 is a plan view of a second embodiment of an apparatus according to the invention, including a fixed disk-shaped first surface and a rotating annular second surface,

FIGS. 3 and 4 are side elevations showing displaced and coplanar configurations, respectively, of the first and second surfaces of the embodiments of FIGS. 1 and 2,

FIG. 5 is a plan view of another embodiment of an apparatus according to the invention which includes multiple entrances and exits to viewing stations to accommodate a larger number of performers and viewers,

FIG. 6 a-c are a plan view, side elevation and detail of an additional embodiment of an apparatus according to the invention including an elongated first surface and an elongated, carousel-like second surface formed from multiple movable elements, and

FIG. 7 is a plan view of another embodiment of an apparatus according to the invention including an elongated first surface disposed parallel to and adjacent an elongated, carousel-like second surface formed from multiple moving elements.

Like numerals refer to like parts throughout the several views of the drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Turning now to FIG. 1, apparatus 10 includes first surface 12, as shown a disk-shaped surface on which a plurality of viewing stations 14 are defined. Viewing stations 14 can be furnished as desired, with chairs, couches or other fixtures. Surrounding first surface 12 is second surface 16, as shown an annular surface on which a plurality of performance stations 18 are defined. Performance stations 18 can likewise be furnished as desired, with elevated platforms, couches, chairs, carpeted or tiled portions, and the like. One portion of surface 16 functions as an entry/exit area 20 enabling viewers to access viewing stations 14. That is, in specific embodiments, the number of viewing stations is greater than the number of performance stations. Partitions 22, which in particular embodiments are secured to second surface 16, separate the performance stations 18, and partitions 24, secured in particular embodiments to first surface 12, likewise separate the viewing stations 14, thus affording performers and viewers a degree of privacy. Optional partitions 26, which can be secured to either of the first and second surfaces, are provided in specific embodiments where it is deemed necessary or desirable (e.g., due to local ordinance) to provide a barrier between performers and viewers. Partitions 26 can be of any desired height and be formed from any desired material, such as a transparent plastic material, a metal railing, or the like. Optional doors 28 are provided to facilitate access of the performers to performance stations 18 from access area 30, and also to provide emergency egress for performers and viewers. Motive device 32 (e.g., an electric motor) turns first surface 12 about an axis of rotation 34 passing through the center of first surface 12. See FIGS. 3 and 4.

In operation, performers enter each of the performance station 18. A viewer enters a viewing station 14 via entry/exit area 20. Motive device 32 then rotates first surface 12 so that the viewing station occupied by the viewer is aligned with a first performance station 18 (typically the performance station immediately adjacent entry/exit area 20). The viewer then views a performance by the performer in the performance station. While this is taking place, another viewer enters the viewing station now positioned adjacent entry/exit area 20. Upon completion of the performance, motive device 32 again rotates first surface 12 so that the first viewer is enabled to view a performance by the next performer, while the second viewer is enabled to view a performance by the first performer. This procedure continues until all viewing stations have been occupied. Finally, motive device 32 rotates the viewing station occupied by the original viewer back to the position adjacent entry/exit area 20, and the original viewer exits the apparatus after having viewed performances at all performance stations 18.

In FIG. 2, first surface 12 and second surface 16 of apparatus 40 are located as in the preceding embodiment. However, in apparatus 40 disk-shaped first surface 12 is fixed and performance stations 18 are defined on first surface 12, while annular second surface 16 is movable and viewing stations 14 are defined on second surface 16. This configuration beneficially provides viewing stations with additional space for larger furnishings, and also enables performers to access the viewing stations for more personal encounters with the viewers (as do other exemplary configurations without optional partitions 26). In this embodiment, each viewing station 14 is entered in turn by a different viewer, while the portion of first surface 12 adjacent the viewing station positioned at entrance/exit 21 is initially unoccupied. After the viewer enters the viewing station positioned at entrance/exit 21, a motive device (not shown) rotates second surface 16 such that the viewing station is aligned with a first performance station 18. Viewing of performances and occupation of viewing stations continues in a manner similar to that described previously, and when the original viewer returns to entrance/exit 21 he exits the apparatus 40 and is replaced with another viewer.

The first and second surfaces of embodiments of the inventive apparatus can be configured such that they are vertically displaced from each other (e.g., FIG. 3) or are substantially coplanar (FIG. 4). Different configurations will afford viewers different views of the performance stations of the various apparatuses.

In FIG. 5, apparatus 50 includes a plurality of entry/exit areas 20. In this configuration, a larger number of viewers and performers can be accommodated while still providing the viewers with a desirable number of sequential performances.

Turning to FIGS. 6 a-c, apparatus 60 includes an elongated, fixed first surface 62 surrounded by a movable second surface 64. Second surface 64 includes a plurality of movable segments 76 (see FIG. 6 c), and is configured similarly to an airport luggage carousel. Viewing stations 66, which are themselves movable being composed of movable segments, are defined on second surface 64. In particular embodiments, a fixture 67 such as a chair, couch or the like is secured to one of the movable segments 76 of second surface 64 for the viewer's convenience and safety. Performance stations 68 are defined on first surface 62. Optional dividers 70 are provided in particular embodiments to separate the various viewing and performance stations. In these embodiments, the dividers 70 are beneficially secured to fixed first surface 62 and extend outward over movable second surface 66, and have defined therein openings 72 (see FIG. 6 b) which permit fixtures 67 to pass through them.

FIG. 7 illustrates another “carousel-type” embodiment in which elongated first surface 82 is fixed and extends along an axis A-A′. Performance stations 84 are defined on surface 82. Second surface 86, again composed of movable elements (not shown), forms a carousel-like structure and extends in the direction of axis A-A′ alongside first surface 82. Viewing stations 88 are defined on second surface 86. Optional dividers 90 between viewing stations 88 are provided in specific embodiments. Dividers 90 can be, for example, affixed to a track positioned within second surface 86 and thus travel with viewing stations 88. In use, a viewer enters a viewing station at entry 91, is conveyed sequentially to positions adjacent each of the performance stations 84, and finally exits the apparatus 80 at exit 92. If desired, another surface 82 can be provided on the opposite side of surface 86, to accommodate additional viewers and performers in an efficient manner. 

1. An apparatus for enabling sequential viewing of performances by a plurality of performers, the apparatus comprising a) first and second surfaces, at least one of the surfaces being movable relative to the other surface, b) a plurality of performance stations defined on one of the first and second surfaces, c) a plurality of viewing stations defined on the other of the first and second surfaces, and d) a motive device that produces relative motion between the first and second surfaces.
 2. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the number of viewing stations is greater than the number of performance stations.
 3. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the first surface is a disk having a center and the second surface is an annulus having a center.
 4. The apparatus of claim 3 wherein the first surface is rotatable about an axis of rotation extending through the center of the first surface, wherein the second surface is fixed, and wherein the center of the second surface is collinear with the axis of rotation of the first surface.
 5. The apparatus of claim 4 wherein the first and second surfaces are coplanar.
 6. The apparatus of claim 4 wherein the viewing stations are defined on the first surface and the performance stations are defined on the second surface.
 7. The apparatus of claim 3 wherein the second surface is rotatable about an axis of rotation extending through the center of the second surface, wherein the first surface is fixed, and wherein the center of the first surface is collinear with the axis of rotation of the second surface.
 8. The apparatus of claim 7 wherein the first and second surfaces are coplanar.
 9. The apparatus of claim 8 wherein the performance stations are defined on the first surface and the viewing stations are defined on the second surface.
 10. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the first surface is fixed and the second surface comprises a plurality of movable segments.
 11. The apparatus of claim 10 wherein the second surface surrounds the first surface.
 12. The apparatus of claim 10 wherein the first surface is extended along an axis and wherein the second surface is disposed adjacent the first surface such that a portion of the second surface adjacent the first surface is movable in a direction parallel to the axis of the first surface.
 13. The apparatus of claim 10 wherein the performance stations are defined on the first surface and the viewing stations are defined on the second surface.
 14. The apparatus of claim 1 further comprising a plurality of partitions separating the performance stations.
 15. The apparatus of claim 1 further comprising a plurality of partitions separating the viewing stations.
 16. The apparatus of claim 1 further comprising a plurality of partitions separating the performance stations from the viewing stations.
 17. A method of sequentially viewing performances by a plurality of performers, the method comprising the steps of: i) entering an apparatus comprising a) first and second surfaces, at least one of the surfaces being movable relative to the other surface, b) a plurality of performance stations defined on one of the first and second surfaces, c) a plurality of viewing stations defined on the other of the first and second surfaces, and d) a motive device that produces relative motion between the first and second surfaces, wherein a viewing station of the apparatus is entered, ii) viewing a performance at a performance station when relative motion is produced between the first and second surfaces such that the viewing station entered in step (i) and the performance station are positioned adjacent each other, and iii) repeating step (ii) for at least one additional performance station.
 18. The method of claim 17 wherein at least one performance is at least partially performed at a viewing station.
 19. A method of providing performances sequentially to a plurality of viewers, the method comprising the steps of: i) entering an apparatus comprising a) first and second surfaces, at least one of the surfaces being movable relative to the other surface, b) a plurality of performance stations defined on one of the first and second surfaces, c) a plurality of viewing stations defined on the other of the first and second surfaces, and d) a motive device that produces relative motion between the first and second surfaces, wherein a performance station of the apparatus is entered, ii) providing a performance to a viewer at a viewing station when relative motion is produced between the first and second surfaces such that the performance station entered in step (i) and the viewing station are positioned adjacent each other, and iii) repeating step (ii) for at least one additional viewing station.
 20. The method of claim 19 wherein at least one performance is at least partially performed at a viewing station. 